now, officially, this has been organized by russia's unions. the people here are students. they're factory workers. they're doctors and teachers. but it comes amid a growing sense of national pride in russia, particularly in the face of international sanctions and the events in yeah crane. ukraine. >> translator: well, maybe the young generation doesn't have the same pride that existed in soviet times, but we're trying to rebuild our traditions. >> reporter: given the tensions between russia and the west at the moment, are you concerned that the country could be drawn into another cold war? >> translator: i'm not sure we're afraid of a new cold war. i believe our country can get by alone, but other countries understand that we're strong and the world kind of relies on us. >> reporter: from some of the signs that people are carrying, you get a further indication of the public mood. this one here saying "putin is right." a lot of support for the russian president. first and foremost, this is a festive occasion and an opportunity for russians to exhibit their national pride. â